2018 Christmas and Holiday Events in Miami

Ho! Ho! Ho! Stringing our lights around the palm trees and Santa is getting ready to surf!

Christmas in Miami is about enjoying the sunshine and gorgeous breezy weather!

And to get into the spirit, our regular events are back with plenty of lights, shiny ornaments and holiday cheer.

As in all public holidays, government offices, schools, post offices, banks and public libraries will close on Christmas Day. Many restaurants remain open and offer special celebratory meals, brunches, dinners, cocktails...

And this is the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous "winter" weather. Migrating birds and hybernating manatees have arrived, this is a good time for a visit to the Everglades, enjoy the beautiful wildlife or a thrilling airboat ride! Please note that some parks will be closed on Christmas Day.

Here are this year's most popular Christmas and Holiday Season events and celebrations in Miami:

Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Parades, Tree Lightings...

• Santa's Enchanted Forest - November 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019
• Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park - November 23, 2018
• Annual Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall - TBA - end of November through January
• Miami Lantern Light Festival - November 30, 2018 - January 20, 2019
• New World Symphony Wallcast Concert: Sounds of the Season - December 15, 2018
• Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade - December 15, 2018
• Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade at Bayfront Park - December 15, 2018
• Christmas With The Chimps At Lion Country Safari - December 20, 2018
• Santa On The Beach at Ft. Lauderdale Beach - TBA
• Zoo Lights and Gifts for the Animals at Zoo Miami - TBC December 1 - 30, 2018
• Winterland at the Farm - TBA mid-December to early January
• Winter Fairland at Tamiami Park - TBA approx. Thanksgiving to New Year's

And in the Holiday Entertainment Calendar

• Santa's Enchanted Workshop - December 4, 2018 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• The Wizard of Oz - December 7 - 8, 2018 at the James L Kight Center Miami
• Disney in Concert: The Nightmare Before Christmas with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra - December 13, 2018 at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra 20th Anniversary "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" 2018 Tour - December 14, 2018 at BB&T Center
• Miami City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker - December 15 - 24, 2018 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• White Christmas - December 25 - 30, 2018 at the Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center
• Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker - December 29, 2018 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
• My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home For The Holidays - December 29 - 30, 2018 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
• Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert - December 31, 2018 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, Pompano Beach

Christmas Services

• Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Services - Midnight Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

And check out this year's New Year's Eve Holiday events in Miami.

Christmas Festivals, Fairs, Parades, Tree Lightings...

Santa's Echanted Forest

The largest Christmas-Themed Amusement Park and Carnival is back on its 26th year with its 3 million lights, 92" christmas tree, and the carnival rides for little ones and those wanting a little more extreme.

Located in the heart of Miami in Tropical Park, you will no doubt see the lights from the highway as you drive past.

It is a huge sprawling lively event, just coming to see the lights is worth the trip. Tons of entertainment for kids and families round it all up. There are the many live shows, games, magic acts, mazes, all sorts of rides, from carrousels to roller coasters and drop towers and of course, the carnival food!

When? November 1, 2018 to January 6, 2019 - 5:00pm to Midnight
Where? Tropical Park, on the Palmetto (SR826) and Bird Road (40th Street) 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155
How Much? Adults (10-64) $33.64, Children (3-9) $24.30, Seniors (65+) $24.30 Season and express passes available.

More Info: Santa's Enchanted Forest

Christmas Tree Lighting at Bayfront Park

The official kick off to the holiday season in downtown Miami takes place the day after Thanksgiving as Bayfront Park unveils its 50-foot tree covered with glittering lights.

The countdown to the tree lighting is accompanied by cheery holiday music, so come and take a break from the shopping and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

When? Friday, November 24, 2017, tree lighting at 7:00 pm
Where? Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
Where to Park?: There is limited, paid parking at Bayfront Park. You can also park at Bayside Marketplace nextdoor or take the Metrorail to the Government Center Station then transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop to Bayfront Park.
How Much? FREE!

More info, Directions and Parking: www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade

Sailboats, Yachts, Barges, Gondolas, Kayaks... ANYTHING that floats, all decked up with thousands of lights and a merry spirit, traversing the waters of the intracoastal, what could be more fun this holiday season?!

On its 47th year, the Winterfest Boat Parade has become one of the most awaited events, this year the Ft. Lauderdale shoreline will be coming alive once again.

Some fantastic entries and surprises in the past have included a floating bus, the Galleria Mall reindeer barge, a fire truck, Mickey and Minnie... can't wait for this year's parade!

When?: Saturday December 15, 2018
Where?: Intracoastal Waterway from Ft. Lauderdale to Pompano Beach
How Much?: Free along parade route, Grandstand viewing areas available.

More info: Winterfest Boat Parade

Magical Snowfall at Dolphin Mall

Miami's winter wonderland is back this year. To help bring on the magical flurry, Dolphin Mall will be giving away enchanted wands to children under the age of 12 (while supplies last). At the start of each nightly snowfall, young magicians are encouraged to wave their wands around to unleash the blizzard and create the glistening winter wonderland.

In addition, while you're at the mall, you can visit Santa and become a flight crew at Santa's Flight Academy.

When? TBA, last year Nightly from November 22, 2017 to January 7, 2018 at 7:00 pm, additional snowfall at 9:00 pm Thursdays through Sundays. No blizzard on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Where? The Ramblas Plaza at Dolphin Mall
How Much? FREE! Wands will be distributed to participating families 30 minutes prior to start of each nightly snowfall, first come first served.

More info: www.shopdolphinmall.com

Miami Lantern Light Festival

A spectacular evening of dazzling lights, colors, shapes, and themes.

The Lantern Light festival is a six week celebration of Chinese culture featuring massive lanterns, inspiring performances, and incredible cuisine.

Each Chinese lantern is custom-built by Chinese artisans and typically takes four weeks and a team of seven to complete.

The lanterns are handmade from hundreds of pieces of silky cloth. Some are over 30 feet high and others are up to 300 feet long.

When? November 30, 2018 to January 20, 2019 - Thursdays through Sundays 5:00 - 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays open until 11:00 pm
Where? Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds at 10901 SW 24th Street,Miami, FL 33165
How Much? Adults $23, Children (3-12) $18, Seniors and Active Military $20, Children activity packages and group packages available.

More Info, tickets: www.lanternlightfestival.com

New World Symphony Wallcast Free Outdoor Concert: Sounds of the Season

What?: The New World Symphony presents a festive program celebrating the holiday season, offering audience members an opportunity to gather and share music with friends and family. Enjoy selections from a variety of cultural heritages, certain to delight audiences of all ages. This Saturday performance is presented by the City of Miami Beach for its residents.

As with all WALLCAST® concerts, it will be projected on the 7,000 square-foot screen. Bring a picnic, blankets, beach chairs, cocktails... yes, there are restrooms available at the south-east corner of SoundScape Park.
When?: Saturday December 15, 2018 - 7:30 pm, try to arrive early to grab a good spot
Where?: SoundScape Park at 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
How Much?:WALLCAST® concerts are free. No tickets required.

More Info Here: www.nws.edu/events

Miami Outboard Club's Annual Holiday Boat Parade

What?: Over 50 boats all decked up in holiday gear and parading in the waters of Biscayne Bay...
Food Vendors, Bounce House, DJ at Bayfront Park, the official viewing site
Fireworks Show!
When?: Saturday December 15, 2018 - 7:00 pm, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Where?: Official viewing site is Bayfront Park
Parade Route: The parade will begin at the Miami Outboard Club continuing along Government Cut towards Downtown Miami, passing the Miami Children Museum, Bayside and Bayfront Park. The parade route will turn around at Brickell Key, once again passing Bayfront Park, Bayside, and then American Airlines Arena.
How Much?: FREE. The Club will be collecting new unwrapped toys to be donated to the children of the City Of Miami, donations can be made at The Miami Outboard Club and various sponsor retail locations.

More Info Here: www.mocholidayboatparade.com

Christmas With The Chimps At Lion Country Safari

What?: Santa Claus visits the chimpanzees at Lion Country Safari's Chimp Islands, bearing wrapped gifts for the chimps. This is the only opportunity throughout the entire year that guests can get out of their vehicles (at the chimp islands) to watch the chimps receive presents!
When?: Thursday December 20, 2018 starting at 10:30 am (arrive by 9:30am to allow time to get through the preserve)
Where?: Lion Country Safari
How Much?: Adult $35, Senior $31.50, Child (3-9) $26, Parking $8

More Info www.lioncountrysafari.com

Santa On The Beach at Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Yes it's Christmas in the sand! Don't miss this year's Santa's traditional candy giveaway along Fort Lauderdale Beach!

With twinkling eyes and smiling faces, Santa and his elves will begin spreading holiday cheer along Fort Lauderdale Beach Park distributing candy canes with glee.

When?: December TBA, 2018 - Motorcade with Santa begins at noon and expected to arrive at Ft. Lauderdale Beach at 12:45 p.m.
Where?: 600 Seabreeze Boulevard (Promenade just north of Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park)
Parade Route: The motorcade will begin at the Ft. Lauderdale Police Headquarters and proceed towards the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub at Las Olas and A1A.
How Much?: FREE!

More Info Here: Santa On The Beach

Zoo Lights and Holiday Gifts For The Animals at Zoo Miami

It's that magical time of the year as the park transforms into a fabulous array of shimmering trees and dazzling (animal-shaped of course) lights that adorn every corner of this fantastic animal kingdom.

And during the day, the best part is watching all our fluffy fellows open their Christmas presents...

What else? Carousel rides, photo with Santa, cookies and hot cocoa... (additional fees)

When?: Gifts with the Animals: check for the daily schedule
Zoo Lights Every Friday and Saturday in December plus the week of December 26 - 30, 2017 - 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (closed December 24-25)
Where?: Zoo Miami at 1 Zoo Boulevard, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
How Much?: Gifts for the Animals is Free with Zoo Admission. Check Zoo Miami website for schedule.
Zoo Lights: $9.95 plus tax

More Info Here: www.zoomiami.org

Winterland at the Farm

With this 60-degree weather, what better way to warm up and get ready into the holiday spirit with family and friends than with some Snow, Holiday Treats, Hot chocolate and much more while you can meet Santa Claus, Nix the Snowman and Sprinkle the Gingerbread Cookie at a beautiful illuminated Forest.

Holiday treats, hay rides, face painting, paddleboat rides, Santa, pony rides, and many more activities for kids!

When?: December 16, 2017 - January 7, 2018
Where?: Pinto Farm at 14890 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL 33170
How Much?: Winterland Unlimited $19, Winterland Paddleboat ride or Hayride $9.

More info: www.pintofarm.com

Winter Fairland

What? Ice skating at Glacier Glide Rink, visit the North Pole and take a picture with Santa, feed the animals and ride a camel at Rudolph's Petting Zoo, holiday arts and crafts for the kids at the Little Elve's craft area, bungee jumping, rock climbing at Frosty's Blast Zone and much much more!
When? TBA
Where? Miami-Dade County Youth Fairgrounds at Tamiami Park, Coral Way and S.W. 107th Avenue
How Much? FREE! Parking $10

More info: www.WinterFairland.com

This Year's Holiday Entertainment Calendar, Concerts and Musicals

Santa's Enchanted Workshop On Stage

For Stanley, Christmas has lost some of its magic. Stanley, along with his sister SuSu, sets out to find out about Christmas for himself by traveling to the North Pole. Trapped in a blizzard, they wind up in a dilapidated gas station run by a mysterious old man named Nick who shows them the wonders of imagination and helps to bring his rundown gas station to life as a magic toyshop. One of the silliest villains you'll ever see, Mr. Gasket J. Wasket shows up and tries to spoil the day.

In the end, Stanley finds a renewed Christmas spirit and the real meaning of the holiday...

When? Tuesday December 4, 2018 - 10:00 am
Where? Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much?
›› Find Santa's Enchanted Workshop Tickets

The Wizard of Oz

When? Friday and Saturday December 7 and 8, 2018

Where? James L. Knight Center at 400 SE 2nd Avenue Miami

How Much? $40+

›› Find Wizard of Oz Tickets

Disney in Concert: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra

The haunting holiday classic... The Nightmare Before Christmas with score by Danny Elfman performed live by South Florida Symphony Orchestra.

When Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's pumpkin king, accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry...

When? Thursday December 13, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
How Much?
›› Find The Nightmare Before Christmas Tickets

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 20th Anniversary "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" 2018 Tour

Presented by the Hallmark Channel, the Rock Holiday tradition on its 20th year comes once again to BB&T Center.

This dazzling multimedia production brings us our favorite holiday classics... O Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Cannon, O Holy Night... like you've never heard them before combining enthralling music and delightful story-telling, a holiday classic!

When? Friday December 14, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise
How Much?
›› Find Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghost of Christmas Eve Tickets

Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker

The holiday tradition you love will become even more magical...

A vibrant and animated winter wonderland comes to life, featuring appearances by The Sugarplum Fairy, toy soldiers, and mischievous mice, all while retaining George Balanchine's iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

When? December 15 - 24, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much?
›› Find The Nutcracker Tickets

White Christmas

Irving Berlin's White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.

Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Happy Holiday," "Sisters," "Blue Skies," and the unforgettable title song, Irving Berlin's White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

When? December 25 - 30, 2018
Where? Ziff Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
How Much?
›› Find White Christmas Tickets

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

One of the world's most magical adaptations of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker pirouettes its way into The Fillmore Miami Beach with close to 40 renowned dancers that bring to life the timeless story of young Masha (Clara), who receives the gift of a nutcracker one Christmas Eve and dreams that night of a grand adventure with her Nutcracker Prince.

Filled with larger-than-life puppets and nesting dolls, handmade Victorian-style costumes, gasp-inducing special effects and sets created by La La Land designer Carl Sprague, this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the whole family.

When? Saturday December 29, 2018 - 3:00 pm
Where? The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
How Much? $50+
›› Find Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets
›› Limited time and selling fast! Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets at Groupon - Best Seats Orchestra or Mezzanine $125.50 $39

My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home For The Holidays

Join Steve as he shares more wild and hilarious stories and characterizations about his family, friends and the other folks we meet whose sole purpose was to drive him into therapy in the first place.

We all get to attend holiday dinner at Grandma's where, if you're under 55, you're allowed to sit at the children's table, and thirty-five over-fed people jostle for the one toilet!

When? Saturday and Sunday December 29 - 30, 2018
Where? Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
How Much? $45+
›› Find My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home For The Holidays Tickets

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert

Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert recreates the beauty of Vienna's golden era and this year's concert will feature a brilliant new program of Strauss waltzes and sweeping melodies from beloved operettas performed by acclaimed European singers, champion ballroom dancers, ballet, and live symphony orchestra.

The first effortless notes of the eternal Blue Danube Waltz will welcome you into a triumphant 2019!

Two South Florida performances:

When? Sunday December 30, 2018 - 8:00 pm
Where? Adrienne Arsht Center Miami
How Much? $45+
›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Miami

When? Monday December 31, 2018 - 7:00 pm
Where? Coral Springs Center For The Arts at 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, Florida 33065
How Much? $57+
›› Find Salute To Vienna Tickets in Coral Springs

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Services

Bright poinsettias, twinkling lights, wonderful nativity scenes, children caroling and the fragrance of firs and incense filling the church, the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass has been a beautiful tradition for as long as I can remember. All our places of worship and the communities go out of their way to welcome and share in the spirit and purpose of the Christmas celebrations.

Here are some places you can attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in Miami

• Saint Patrick Catholic Church - 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach 33140
  Phone (305) 531-1124
  Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Multi-Lingual
  Christmas Day:
  English: 8:00 am, 9:30am, 11:00am
  Spanish: 12:30pm, 7:00pm
  More Info

• Church of the Little Flower 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables 33134
  Phone (305) 446-9950
  Chritmas Eve Cantata: 11:30 pm
  Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: Bi-Lingual
  Christmas Day:
  English: 9:00am, 10:30am, 5:30pm
  Spanish: 12:30pm
  More Info

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Memories!

More Christmas Cheer...

• Miami Eater's Guide to Where to Eat on Christmas Eve in Miami
• The W Brickell Rooftop to Wynwood Yard: The Top Ten Holiday Parties in Miami 2017
• Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Miami Beach
• 8 Places in South Florida to See Holiday Light Displays

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